Board removes requirements that only master-class, resident falconers may apply.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners in 2015 adopted a measure that allows the state’s falconers to apply for any permits the USFWS allocates for Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania issued its first permit last year, and thus far has accepted permit applications only from master-class falconers who reside in Pennsylvania. That limits the pool of applicants, and eventually could create a situation where there are more permits than people eligible to apply for them, especially if the allocation continues to rise.

To address this issue, the Board of Commissioners today gave final approval to a measure that expands the eligibility requirements to include a greater range of falconers. Under the proposal, holders of general-class falconry permits would be eligible to apply for a peregrine permit. Nonresident general-class falconers could apply if they live in a state that allows Pennsylvania residents to take migrating Arctic peregrine falcons there.

If the measure is adopted, hunters would be able to use electronic decoys in hunting waterfowl; electronically heated scent or lure dispensers; and electronic devices that distribute ozone gas for scent-control purposes.

The measure is scheduled to be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.​ The board indicated it will consider adding electronic mourning-dove decoys to the list when it’s brought up for a final vote.

Take someone hunting, fishing or target shooting and enter a chance to win NASCAR or Ultimate Outdoor Experience

Join Richard Childress, honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day, in creating the next generation of conservationists

National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day), an annual celebration of hunters and anglers, features a new twist this year. Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day, is asking hunters and anglers to participate in the new NHF Day Challenge by taking someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. By pledging to introduce someone to the outdoors between now and NHF Day on Saturday, Sept. 23, participants will be eligible to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience in America’s Conservation Capital from Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

“If you are a sportsman, sportswoman or an angler, you can make a difference and support National Hunting and Fishing Day by becoming a mentor,” said Childress. “Mentoring is critical to ensure our outdoor tradition lives on through future generations. Make the commitment to take someone outdoors and show them why you value hunting, fishing and target shooting.”

For millions of Americans, time spent hunting and fishing are treasured moments. Hunting and fishing brings friends and family together and provides one of the most immersive outdoor experiences possible.

“Today fewer people are connecting with nature through hunting and fishing,” said Childress. “As outdoorsmen and women, we are one of the keys to reversing this trend. Help a friend, family member, neighbor or co-worker learn how to hunt, fish or shoot. Introducing someone to the joys of the outdoors not only enriches their life, it creates a future conservationist.”

Each new hunter and angler created helps fund conservation. Every time someone buys a firearm, ammunition, archery equipment or fishing tackle, they contribute to habitat conservation and science-based wildlife management through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program. The WSFR is the cornerstone of fish and wildlife conservation in North America because it brings funding from the sporting arms, archery and fishing industries and sportsmen and women back to state wildlife management agencies. These monies, in addition to hunting and fishing license fees, are critical for conserving fish and wildlife across our nation.

Those who pledge to take someone hunting, target shooting or fishing will be entered for a chance to win two amazing prize packages. The first grand prize is two HOT passes to a future NASCAR race, which includes pit and garage passes, garage and team hauler tours, and an opportunity to meet team owner Richard Childress. The second grand prize package is a trip to America’s Conservation Capital: Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. A passion of Bass Pro Shops founder and Ozarks native Johnny Morris, the destination spans multiple properties and thousands of unspoiled acres, making it the ultimate destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. The package includes a two-night stay in a log cabin at Big Cedar Lodge, America’s premier wilderness resort, and nature-based excursions including guided bass fishing on 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake; Adventure Passes for the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum at Top of the Rock; shotgun sports at Bass Pro Shops’ Outdoor Shooting Academy; and passes to Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, the largest, most immersive wildlife attraction in the world, opening Sept, 21, 2017.

To get involved in the NHF Day Challenge, visit NHFDay.org or call 417 225-1162.

Amerikohl Mining Inc., of Butler, Pa., was approved to remove an estimated 15,840 tons of Lower Kittaning coal under about 13 acres on State Game Lands 276 in Burrell Township, Indiana County

The board also approved an agreement with Chief Oil & Gas LLC, of Dallas, Texas, to develop the Game Commission’s oil and gas rights under about 499 acres of State Game Lands 36 in Franklin and Monroe townships, Bradford County.

The board also approved a five-year option to enter into an agreement with Seneca Resources, of Pittsburgh, to develop the Game Commission’s oil and gas rights under about 2,151 acres of State Game Lands 133 in Gamble, Lewis and Cascade townships, Lycoming County. Seneca also has the ability to develop the reserve without any surface disturbance to the game lands.

Board votes to keep baiting as an option in Southeast Special Regulations Area.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today ensured deer hunters in the Southeast Special Regulations Area will continue to have the option to apply for permits to use mechanical feeders to dispense bait at hunting locations on private property.

The board first voted to create deer-attractant permits in 2014, but attached to the measure a sunset clause that would force the board to revisit the issue in 2017. The board today gave final approval to a measure that removes the sunset clause to allow the permits to continue being issued.

Air guns, some semiautomatic rifles could become lawful hunting arms within Special Regulations Areas.

When the Pennsylvania Game Commission in April approved the use of semiautomatic rifles and air guns for hunting small game and furbearers, the provision could not be extended to the state’s Special Regulations Areas, which are covered under a separate section of the law.

But a measure preliminarily approved today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners would allow hunters and trappers within Special Regulations Areas also to use semiautomatic rifles and air guns. If the measure is adopted at the Sept. 26 meeting, it likely would take effect sometime in November or December.

If the measure is adopted, hunters would be able to use electronic decoys in hunting waterfowl; electronically heated scent or lure dispensers; and electronic devices that distribute ozone gas for scent-control purposes.

The measure is scheduled to be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.​ The board indicated it will consider adding electronic mourning-dove decoys to the list when it’s brought up for a final vote.

On the application form, the hunter must enter at least one Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) preference where he or she desires to hunt. The hunter may select up to three WMU preferences on the form. If the first WMU is sold out, the county treasurer will issue the second, or if necessary, the third based on license availability. A guide to WMUs, including boundary maps is found in the 2017-18 Hunting & Trapping Digest.

County Treasurers

Hunters can apply by mailing applications to anycounty treasurer with the addresses provided in the Digest. The zipcodes for Bedford and Berks counties were listed incorrectly on some handouts. Be sure to use 15522-1713 and 19601-4318 respectively.

Applications that are received before the dates listed above will be returned. Hunters are encouraged to apply as soon as permissible for the best chance of receiving the Wildlife Management Unit of choice. Last year, the antlerless deer license allocations in each WMU were exhausted. Some WMUs sell out quickly. Check the date that your preferred WMU sold out last year.

Availability

Check on the remaining availability of antlerless deer licenses throughout the application period by visiting this page.